AGM - 24 April 2026
On Friday 24th April, we all got together for our Annual General Meeting at the Scout HQ. After introductions, attending representatives from all sections renewed their promise, as is tradition for St George's Day.
GLV Review of the Year
The Group Lead Volunteer gave a review of the past 12 months. He advised that the group are short of leaders and volunteers overall, and that we could do a lot more with our young people with more volunteers. There have been visits to school fayres, and an upcoming Twydall Church Summer Fayre. He advised that the HQ is now fully compliant from a safety perspective, that the external fencing has been replaced, and the gate fixed. He advised there is a work weekend planned for May which everyone is welcome to join.
Squirrels Review
In the last year the Squirrels have been very busy with activities. We have explored the natural world, creating nature crowns, litter picking, themed activity nights such as T-shirt decorating, cooking, air-dry clay hedgehogs and potato printing. We have completed rocket building, hikes, first aid and a campfire. Squirrels have also completed a decoding activity which led to the discovery that the Easter Bunny would be coming to leave a treat. Squirrels enjoyed Bonfire night, attended the Remembrance Service and had a Christmas party with a visit from Santa. Around Chinese New Year we looked at associated traditions including problem solving with using chopsticks and some phrases. The Squirrels have made fantastic progress, and continue to develop new skills and confidence.
Beavers Review
During the last year, 96 badges award badges have been awarded, including 3 Chief Scout Bronze Awards. Other badges include Emergency First Aid, Skills for Life and Builder. The Beavers have enjoyed a water fight, soft archery, Remembrance Service, fireworks night, a visit from Police and the Christmas party. We have introduced the Beavers to the origins of Scouting, flag, campfire and s'mores. We currently have 16 active members.
Cubs Review
Over the last year the Cubs have been awarded 84 badges, including 1 Chief Scout Award, Team Leader, Pioneering, Emergency Frist Aid, photographer and Scientist to name but a few. At Christmas there were only 7 Cubs after some had moved Sections up to Scouts. 3 moved up from Beavers. We ran a bring a friend night and cooked some s'mores over burners due to the rain. We now have 17 Cubs in the pack. We are planning a hike and climbing session.
Scouts Review
The year started with 16 Scouts and we currently have 11. Throughout the year 45 badges have been awarded. KIJ was the highlight of the year with 1 Scout attending with the Explorers. We had a spring camp with 8 Scouts, as well as having planned and undertaken an expedition earlier this year. We undertook a hike from Motney Hill to HQ along part of the Saxon Shoreline. We have looked at being healthy and the impact of drugs and alcohol on our bodies and minds. We spent an evening at Soar and Chatham Ski centre. We have sent and received morse code messages. We are planning to make contact with a group in South Africa, eat their cuisine and learn more about their culture.
Explorers Review
The Unit has 13 members currently. Explorers have completed 8 activity awards including Platinum and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards. We are hoping some more Explorers will go on to complete the King’s Scout Award. We have 4 Explorers working as Young Leaders across the Sections. We are planning to build a pagoda for the younger Sections to enjoy as well as the wildlife. The Unit helped at bonfire night and are planning a Christmas party in December. Explorers are always looking for fun activities and are always looking for support with these if you’d like to join us.
Plaque Unveiling
Before the meeting closed, Eleanor unveiled a brand new plaque, commemorating her receiving the King's Scout Award, the highest award in Scouting, last year. This is the first time this has been awarded at 11th Gillingham since 1967!
The minutes of the meeting can be downloaded here.
